Avery Co. Water Reclass Docs

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
W ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
'JAMESB HUNT JRR
,`4 GOVERNOR r May 25, 2000
3
Mr. Richard DeMott
BIL LT'HOLMAN
SECRETARY The Watauga Conservation Partners
748 Alpine Drive
Seven Devils
Banner Elk, NC 28604-9183
�' ?gKERR T STEVENSt�,�'
RE: Requested Reclassification of the Watauga River
I Dear Mr. DeMott:
Thank you for your letter dated February 3, 2000 regarding the reclassification of
the Watauga River. Your letter has been carefully reviewed along with the
g Y g
{ ` documentation you sent on December 28, 1999 supporting the requested
r # g reclassification.
<� a
t i :3ki , .-..
A proposed reclassification itself would not impact the expansion, establishment,
+Z F or alteration of dischargers such as wastewater treatment plants between-the
reclassification request date and the effective date of a reclassification except for
"all water supply watersheds...for which a formal petition for reclassification as
A F�
K� s WS-I or WS-1I has been received from the appropriate local government and
n � accepted by the Division of Water Quality [see 15A NCAC 02B .0101(e)(5)].
Under this condition, such waters are automatically.considered High Quality
Waters (HQWs), and new and expanding dischargers to HQWs must meet stricter
treatment standards. Please also note that when a discharger's permit is issued
altered, or renewed, the public does have the opportunity to request a public
hearing, and after the hearing, all comments are considered by the Environmental
Management Commission (EMC).
Since your last letter was received, a request for a Use Attainability Study for the
w
� I waters requested to be reclassified to ORW was made.to the Biological
�4 _ Assessment Unit of DWQ. As a result, an analysis of the pertinent existing data
" for the waters requested tgbe reclassified was conducted and finalized on March
4 20, 2000 (see attached d }1 e last paragraph of that document:
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MAY 3
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2000 j
hx ., � � SyE�y�R�UAury "�--•lop!
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1617 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27699-1617
website:h2o.enr.state.mus PHONE [phone] FAX [phone]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER — 50% RECYCLED/10% POST—CONSUMER PAPER
3 9

t
�\ 'vision of Water Quality
Biological Assessment Unit,..
March 20. 2000
MEMORANDUM
U
To: Jimmie Overton
From: David LenatA5;�
�RF�NSFeT
Through: Trish Finn MacPherson
Subject: Reclassification request for streams in the Watauga sin
The Division of Water Quality has received a request for reclassification of the Watauga
River (source to NC 321) from B TR HQW to B TR ORW. This request was filed by
Richard Demott, on behalf of the Watauga Conservation Partners. Both HQW and ORW
requests require an Excellent rating based on benthic macroinvertebrate collections, but
ORW classification also requires that a water body meet one of five resource values. The
Watauga Conservation Partners believe that that the Watauga River satisfies the resource
values for:
1. Outstanding fish habitat or fisheries.
2. An unusually high level of water-based recreation.
3. Special ecological or scientific significance, such as habitat for rare or
endangered species or as areas for research and education.
Existing HOW/ORW areas in the Watauga River area (Figure 1)
Two areas have been assigned either ORW or HWQ classifications in this area:
Name of Stream Description Class Date Index No. .
WATAUGA RIVER From source to U.S. Hwy.321 Bridge B Tr HQW 8/1190 8-(1)
Boone Fork(Price Lake) From source to Watauga River C Tr ORW 2/l/93 8-7
Cold Pron, From source to Boone Fork C Tr ORW 2/1/93 8-7-1
Laurel Creek From source to Price Lake, Boone Fork C Tr ORW 2/1/93 8-7-2
Hoot Camp Branch From source to Sims Creek C ORW 2/l/93 8-7-3-1
Green Branch From source to Boone Fork C ORW 2/1/93 8-7-4
Cannon Branch From source to Boone Fork C ORW 2/l/93 8-7-5
Bee Tree Creek From source to Boone Fork C ORW 2/1/93 8-7-6
WATAUGA RIVER From U.S.Hwv.321 to North Carolina B HQW 1211/90 8-(16)
Tennessee State Line
The Watauga River was given HQW status in 1990, based on DWQ benthic
macroinvertebrate data collected from the River through July 1990. At that time, all sites
from the headwaters to Sugar Grove received an Excellent rating. Two sites on Boone
Fork also had received an Excellent rating, but this area was eligible for ORW
classification based on an "outstandin- fisheries" and "special ecological or scientific

1,nificance". The ORW classification of Boone Fork in 1993 also included its tributary
streams.
Areas currently assigned an Excellent Bioclassification
The Biological Assessment Unit has recently completed basinwide.monitoring (1999) of
the entire Watauga River area. Rating for streams in the proposed ORW area are
appended to this memo, and shown in Figure 1. Relatively few streams in the proposed
ORW had an Excellent rating in 1999 based on benthic macroinvertebrate data. These
were limited to a single site on the Watauga River at NC 105 (Shull's Mill), and Boone
Fork above Price Lake. A significant decline in water quality was noted for a site on the
Watauga River near Foscoe, from Excellent in 1994 to Good-Fair in 1999. F6r the entire
river basin, sites with significantly rare species included upper Boone Fork, the lower
Watauga River.(near Peoria), and Beech Creek. The latter two sites, however, are outside
of the requested ORW segment.
Evaluation of Resource Values in proposed ORW segment
Rare Species. The reclassification request mentioned several rare fish or invertebrate
species: native brook trout, the Green Floater(Lasmigona subviridus, a freshwater
mussel), and the tangerine darter. Streams throughout the Watauga basin were sampled
by Lonnie Shull (a graduate student at Appalachian State University) for"genetically
pure' strains of southern Appalachian brook trout. Such populations were found in only
two streams: Cannon Branch and'Moody's Mill Creek. Cannon Branch is a tributary of
Boone Fork; it is already classified as Outstanding Resource Waters. Moody's Mill
Creek is a headwater tributary of the Watauga River near Foscoe. This information
suggests that a portion of Moody's Mill Creek might meet the requirements for
reclassification. Brook trout are not expected to occur in the mainstem of the Watauga
River, although the Wildlife Resources Commission has noted brook trout upstream of
Shanty Springs Branch, in the headwater,area of the river.
There are apparently some historical records for the Green Floater in the Watauga River
basin, although without any specific site records. This is an Endangered species in North
Carolina, and a federal Special Concern species. It is not currently known to occur in this
area, although a population has been found in the New River basin. The Watauga River
is not included on list of critical habitat for this species.
Recent TVA collections (unpublished, 1999 and 19941) included a few specimens of the
tangerine darter. The collection site was the Watauga River at Mile 62.4, near the lower
end of the proposed ORW segment. This species, however, has recently been removed
from the"Special Concern" list for North Carolina fish (Menhinick and Braswell, 19972).
Fisheries. The Wildlife Resources Commission (Jim Borawa) collected fish at three sites
on the Watauga River in 1996. While they recorded a good population of brown trout
Tennessee Valley Authority. 1994. Holston River Watershed 1994 Stream Assessment. 3334 pp.
Menhinick,E.F.and A.L. Braswell. 1997. Endangered,Threatened, and Rare Fauna of North Carolina.
Part IV.A Reevaluation of the Fishes. Occasional Papers of the NC State 1Vluseum of Natural History#1 l:
106.

tau no P ri
JJ
r ' . W g i R Su g �.Grov
ee
Boone
tagu t Shull `
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no Ik
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1999 Macroinvertebrate ratings fi
• Excellent r � 1 Outstanding Resource Water
Good
/' �7 High Quality Water
v Good-Fair SUS 321
O Not Rated
l\K streams eligible for ORW classification

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH
AND NATURAL RESOURCES
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR THE
PROPOSED RECLASSIFICATION OF A PORTION OF THE
WATAUGA RIVER IN THE WATAUGA RIVER BASIN
(WATAUGA AND AVERY COUNTIES)
PUBLIC HEARING
MAY 15, 1990
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA
- ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
\ RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Summary and Recommendation of the Hearing Officer. . . . . . . S-1
Recommended Amendments to the Schedule of
Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S-3
Map of Recommended Changes for the Watauga River. . . . . . . . S-4
Request for Reclassification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
PublicNotice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Designation of Hearing Officer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Public Hearing Information Package. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
List of People Attending the Hearing and Written
Copies of Verbal Comments Made at the Hearing. . . . . . . . . 11
Written Comments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Reports, Studies, Investigations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
OF THE HEARING OFFICER
SUMMARY
The Watauga River (Watauga River Basin) begins in Avery
County, flows into Watauga County and then moves in a
northwesterly direction and flows into Tennessee. From its
source to the Highway 321 bridge the Watauga River is classified
as Class B Trout HQW. From this point to the North
Carolina/Tennessee border the waters are classified as C HQW.
Citing the frequent use of the lower section of the river for
swimming, tubing and fishing, the chairman of a local streamwatch
group requested that it be reclassified to Class B Trout HQW.
There are no NPDES permitted discharges to the segment of the
river requested for reclassification.
In late July and early August of 1988, Division staff sampled
the Watauga River from Highway 321 to the state line and found
low fecal coliform levels in the river itself, although some of
the tributaries that were sampled had elevated coliform levels.
In April of 1989, the Division received an assessment from the
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) regarding the
applicability of the supplemental trout designation to this
segment of the river. Based on fish samples collected in 1988
and 1989, the WRC did not recommend that the lower Watauga River
receive the supplemental trout designation since the area does
not support natural trout propagation.
On May 15, 1990 the Division of Environmental Management held
a public hearing in Boone, North Carolina on the proposal to
reclassify the Watauga River from the Highway 321 bridge to the
North Carolina/Tennessee state line from Class C HQW to Class B
HQW. Ten people attended, five of which chose to speak. All of
the comments made were in favor of the proposed reclassification.
In addition, during the comment period following the hearing
comments were received from the Town of Boone and Watauga County
supporting the proposed reclassification.
RECOMMENDATION
The hearing officer and director recommend that the Watauga
River from the U.S. Highway 321 bridge to the North
Carolina/Tennessee border be reclassified from Class C HQW to
Class B HQW waters. The recommended amendment to the Schedule of
Classifications for the Watauga River Basin can be found on page
�S-3 .
S-1

In making these recommendations, the hearing officer and
director have considered the requirements of General Statute
143-214. 1(d) . In particular, the chemical/physical/biological
properties, character of the watershed and bordering areas,
economic considerations, and past/present/future uses of the
lower Watauga River. In taking this action rule 15A NCAC 2B
. 0305, which references the Schedule of Classifications for the
Watauga River Basin, will show that the EMC has revised the
schedule. The proposed effective date in the North Carolina
Register is December 1, 1990.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDED RECLASSIFICATIONS
With the approval of the above recommendation, permitted
wastewater discharges to the reclassified waters will have to
meet reliability standards described in 15A NCAC 2H .0124.
Essentially, this regulation requires that certain discharges
have dual systems or backup power supplies in order to ensure
continued treatment during instances of power failure.
S-2

RECOMNDED AMErIDMENT TO THE WATAUGA RIVER BASIN
SCHEDULE OF CLASSIFICATIONS AS REFERENCED IN TITLE 15A
NORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 2B .0305
Existing Description of Recommended
Name of Stream Description Class Recommended Segment Class
WATAUGA RIVER From U.S. Hwy. 321 to North Carolina - C HQW Same B HQW
Tennessee State Line
5-3

O~
4
o�
N
O
0
�y PISGAH
C NATIONAL FOREST
41
321 ,. 4
4
4:
321
i
WATAUGA RIVER -.
Watauga& Avery Counties `� ....
Watauga River Bassin
J� eerl
Recommended B
�� 1

1
Route 1 , Box 233
Sugar Grove, N.C. 28679
February 9, 1988.
s S !
Mr. R. Paul Wilms , Director f EB 11 1968
Division of Environmental Management
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh , N.C. 27611 Div. of n;r,'m Nigi
fkalegh, N. C.
Dear Mr . Wilms:
The Watauga River, from the, U.S. Highway 321 bridge to the NC-TN
state boundary, is presently classified as Class C. ' In light of
the amount of kayaking, innertubing, swimming , and fishing which
occurs in this section, it should be reclassified Class B-Trout.
The river section upstream of this, to its source, was upgraded
on October 1, 1987 , from Class C-Trout to Class B-Trout due to
its use for primary recreational activities . The same reasons
apply for the lower section, with another factor to be considered
being that the river flows directly into the TVA Watauga Lake
reservoir, which has a designated public swimming area.
A portion of the section being proposed for this reclassification
is also being proposed for entry in the N.C. Natural and Scenic
River System. This portion, from the NC-TN state boundary to the
Guy Ford bridge on SR 1200 , would benefit from the reclassifi-
cation by assuring a more pristine water supply in its beautiful
river gorge area.
I will be looking forward to hearing from you concerning my pro-
posal . Should you wish to call me, my telephone number at work
is 704/758-5151, and at home, 704/297-1471 . Thank you for your
assistance.
Sincerely,
George E. Dula, Chairman
Friends of the Watauga River ( Stream Watch)
c: Roy Davis , Asheville Regional Supervisor
Joe Furman, Watauga County Planner
Jim Mead, Stream Watch Coordinator
Jim Ratchford, Watauga County Manager
Frank Sagona, TVA Water Quality Branch

i
N.C. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO RECLASSIFY A PORTION OF THE
WATAUGA RIVER BASIN IN WATAUGA COUNTY
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be held by the N.C.
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources on behalf of the
Environmental Management Commission (EMC) concerning the modification of
stream classifications as follows:
PURPOSE: To reclassify 6.9 miles of the Watauga River from the U.S.
Highway 321 bridge to the NC/TN state line from Class C to
Class B. This change will protect this section of the river
for primary recreational activities such as organized or
frequent swimming. If reclassified, treated wastewater
discharges would have to comply with reliability requirements
specified in 15A NCAC 2H .0124. These requirements include
standby power supplies or other assurances that surface
waters would not be impacted during power failures, and would
apply to all facilities discharging treated wastewater into
the Class B waters. Comments regarding the use of the area
for primary recreational activities and information
concerning the economic and social benefits and/or costs of
the proposed reclassification are being solicited.
DATE/TIME: May 15, 1990 at 7:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Courtroom 1
Watauga County Courthouse
403 W. King Street
Boone, NC
COMMENT All persons interested in this matter are invited to
PROCEDURE: attend. Comments, statements, data,. and other information
may be submitted in writing prior to, during, or within
thirty (30) days after the hearing or may be presented orally
at the hearing. Oral statements may be limited to five (5)
minutes at the discretion of the hearing officer. Submittal
of written copies of oral statements is encouraged.
AUTHORITY: N.C.G.S. 143-214.1 Amendments to the Schedule of
Classifications and Water Quality Standards for the Watauga
River Basin- as referenced in Title 15A N.C. Administrative
Code 2B .0305.
INFORMATION: Further explanations and details of the proposed change in
stream classifications may be obtained by writing or calling:
Suzanne H. Keen
Division of Environmental Management
P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
(919) 733-5083
Da Dr. o ge T. Everett, Director
2

DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
March 26 , 1990
MEMORANDUM
1
TO: Tim Donnelly
FROM: George T. Everett
SUBJECT: Designation as Hearing `Officer
By authority of the Environmental Management Commission, I
am designating you as the Hearing Officer for a May 14, 1990
public hearing in Franklin, NC (7: 00 P.M. at the Macon 'County
Courthouse) concerning the proposed reclassification of the
Coweeta and Cartoogechaye Creeks, and a May 15, 1990 public
hearing in Boone, NC (7: 00 P.M. at the Watauga County Courthouse)
concerning the proposed reclassification of the Watauga River.
Portions of these waters are being considered for
reclassification to Class B waters.
You are requested to hold these hearings and receive all
relevant comments. Following the close of the hearing records
(June 14 and 15, 1990) , the staff will work with you in
developing findings and recommendations to be considered by the
EMC at their September, 1990 meeting.
Information packages pertaining to these proposed
reclassifications are attached for your review.
Watauga River:hod
3

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
PROPOSED RECLASSIFICATION OF A PORTION
OF THE WATAUGA RIVER BASIN IN WATAUGA COUNTY
FROM CLASS C TO CLASS B (WATAUGA RIVER)
PUBLIC INFORMATION PACKAGE
PUBLIC HEARING
May 15, 1990 at 7:00 P.M.
Courtroom 1
Watauga County Courthouse
403 West King Street
Boone, NC
------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENT PROCEDURE
All persons interested in this matter are invited to attend. Com-
ments, statements, data, and other information may be submitted in
writing prior to, during, or within 30 days after the hearing or
may be presented orally at the hearing. Statements may be limited
to 5 minutes at the discretion of the hearing officer. Submission
of written copies of oral presentations is encouraged.
------------------------------------------------------------------
INFORMATION
Further explanation and details of the proposed regulations may be
obtained by writing or calling:
Suzanne Keen
Division of Environmental Management
Post Office Box 27687
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
( 919 ) 733-5083
------------------------------------------------------------------
This information package contains the following sections:
Page
- Background information on water quality classifications. . . . . 1
- Proposed reclassification and effect on water quality
standards for a portion of the Watauga River. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
- Proposed amendments to the Schedule of Classifications
forthe Watauga River Basin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
- Map of the portion of the Watauga River proposed for _
1-A I
reclassification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . 4j
i
4

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON SURFACE WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATIONS
All waters of - the state (creeks,. rivers, estuaries, sounds, oceans,
etc. ) are divided into appropriate segments or areas . and classified
to protect the waters for specified uses. These uses include:
aquatic life propagation and maintenance
secondary recreation
primary recreation
water supply
shellfishing waters
trout waters
swamp waters
nutrient sensitive waters
high quality waters
outstanding resource waters
Water quality standards have been developed to protect these vari-
ous uses. Table 1 includes the definition of freshwater classifi-
cations for various combinations of the above uses and Table 2
lists the water quality standards for the freshwater' -classes.
PROPOSED RECLASSIFICATION AND EFFECT ON WATER QUALITY STANDARDS' FOR
A PORTION OF THE WATAUGA RIVER
The waters of the Watauga River from U.S. Highway 321 to the
North Carolina/Tennessee state boundary, are presently classified
C. This classification is intended to protect aquatic life and
secondary recreational activities such as boating, wading, and
unorganized or incidental swimming. It has been requested that
this section of the river be reclassified to Class B Trout in order
to reflect its use for primary recreational activities such as
frequent swimming, and the existence of fishery resources.
In August of 1989 Division of Environmental Management staff
conducted water quality sampling to determine whether or not such a
reclassification would be suitable. The results indicate that the
Watauga River from the highway 321 bridge to the state line meets
the regulatory criteria for Class B waters. However, fish samples
collected by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1988 and by DEM in
1989 show that natural trout reproduction is not occurring in this
section of the river. Therefore, the supplemental trout
designation is not appropriate. Based on these data, the proposal
is to reclassify the Watauga River from U.S. highway 321 bridge to
the North Carolina/Tennessee state line from Class C to Class B
waters.
5

The B classification protects waters for their use for primary
recreational activities such as frequent swimming or similar uses
involving human body contact. Treated wastewater discharges to
Class B waters must comply with reliability standards set forth in
15A NCAC 2H . 0124 . This regulation requires the following of
discharges to Class B waters:
1) a dual or 'standby power supply or approval by the Director of
the Division of Environmental Management that the facility
does not need such features to protect the receiving waters
in times of power failure; and
2) parallel units for components, in the liquid line unless the
applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director
that this requirement is unwarranted for a particular case.
Disinfection is usually required as a means of meeting the fecal
coliform standard. There are no existing NPDES dischargers that
would be affected by such a change.
It is anticipated that the Environmental Management Commission
will consider this proposed reclassification at their September
1990 meeting. If approved at that time, the probable effective
date would be November 1, 1990 .
6

PROPOSED AMEND ENT TO THE WATAUGA RIVER BASIN
SCHEDULE OF CLASSIFICATIONS AS REFERENCED IN TITLE 15
NORTH CAROLINA ADKINISTRATIVE CODE 2B .0305
_ Existing Description of Proposed
Name of Stream Description Class Proposed Segment Class
-------------- ----------- -------- ---------------- --------
WATAUGA RIVER From U.S. Hwy. 321 to North Carolina- C same B
Tennessee State Line
7

4, 0 N
�o -
,� 0
PISGAH .
NATIONAL FOREST
03
/ 321
321 _
WATAUGA RIVER
Watauga& Avery Counties
Watauga River Basin pt
Proposed B

Table 1 . Description of Freshwater Classifications for Surface
Waters in North Carolina
FRESHWATER CLASSIFICATIONS
Class WS-I
Waters protected as water supplies which are in natural and
uninhabited or predominantly undeveloped (not urbanized)
_ watersheds. No point source s=discharges are permitted and
local land management programs to control nonpoint source
pollution are required. Also, suitable for all Class C uses.
Class WS-II
Waters protected as water supplies which are in low to
moderately developed (urbanized) watersheds. Discharges are
restricted to primarily domestic wastewater or industrial
non-process waters specifically approved by the commission.
Local land management programs to control nonpoint pollution
are required. Also, suitable for all Class C uses.
Class WS-III
Water supply segment with no categorical restrictions on
watershed development or discharges. Also suitable for all
Class C uses.
Class B
Waters suitable for swimming, primary recreation and all
Class C uses.
Class C
Waters suitable for secondary recreation, fishing and aquatic
life propagation and maintenance.
SUPPLEMENTAL CLASSIFICATIONS
Trout Waters
Suitable for natural trout propagation and maintenance of
stocked trout.
Swamp Waters
Waters which have low velocities and other natural
characteristics which are different from adjacent streams.
Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Waters requiring limitations on nutrient inputs.
Outstanding Resource Waters
Unique and special waters of exceptional state or national
recreational or ecological significance which require special
protection to maintain existing uses.
High Quality Waters_
Primary nursery areas as designated by the Marine Fisheries
Commission (and other functional nursery .areas designated by
appropriate agencies) , native and special native trout waters
as designated by the Wildlife Resources Commission, waters
rated as excellent based on biological and physical/chemical
characteristics , and waters classified as SA, WS-I or WS-II .
9

Table 2 . Water Quality Standards For Freshwater Classifications
More Stringent
Standards For All Standards To Support
Parameters Freshwater Additional Uses
----------------- --------------------
Aquatic Human
Life Health WS Classes Trout
Arsenic (ug/1) 50 -
Barium (mg/1) 1.0
Benzene (ug/1) 71.4 1.19
Beryllium (ng/1) 117 6.8
Cadmium (ug/1) 2.0 0.254 50
0.4
Carbon tetrachloride (ug/1) 4.42 2
Chloride (mg/1) 230 (AL')
Chlorinated benzenes (ug/1) 488
Chlorine, total residual (ug/1) 17 (AL) 17
Chlorophyll a, corrected (ug/1) 40 (N) 15 (N)
Chromium, total (ug/1) 50
Coliform, total (MFTCC/100ml) 50 (N)(2)
Coliform, fecal (MFTCC/100m1) 200 (N)
Copper (ug/1) 7 (AL)
Cyanide (ug/1) 5.0
Dioxin (ng/1) 0.000014 0.000013
Dissolved gases (N)
Dissolved oxygen (mg/1) 5.0 (Sw)(1) 6.0
Fluoride (mg/1) 1.8
Hardness, total (mg/1) 100
Hexachlorobutadiene ,(ug/1) 49.7 0.445
Iron (mg/1) 1.0 (AL)
Lead (ug/1) 25 (N)
Manganese (ug/1) 50 (WSII b III:200)
MBAS (ug/1) 500
(Methylene-Blue-Active Substances) -
Mercury (ug/1) 0.012
Nickel (ug/1) 88 25
Nitrate nitrogen (mg/1) 10
Pesticides
Aldrin (ng/1) 2.0 0.136 0.127
Chlordane (ng/1) 4.0 0.588 0.575
DDT (ng/1) 1.0 0.591 0.588
Demeton (ng/1) 100
Dieldrin (ng/1) 2.0 0.144 0.135
Endosulfan (ng/1) 50
Endrin (ng/1) 2.0
Guthion (ng/1) 10
Heptachlor (ng/l) 4.0 0.214 0.208
Lindane (ng/1) 10
Methoxychlor (ng/1) 30
Mirex (ng/1) 1.0
Parathion (ng/1) 13
Toxaphene' (na/1) 0.2
2,4-D (ug/1) 100
2,4,5-TP (Silvex) (ug/1) 10
pH (units) 6.0-9.0 (Sw)
Phenolic compounds (ug/1) (N) 1.0 (N) •
Polychlorinated biphenyls (ng/1) 1.0 0.079
Polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (ng/1) 31.1 2.8
Radioactive substances (N)
Selenium (ug/1) 5
Silver (ug/1) 0.06 (AL)
Solids, total dissolved (mg/1) 500
Solids, suspended (N)
Sulfates (mg/1) 250
Temperature (N)
Tetrachloroethane (1,1,2,2) (ug/1) 10.8 0.172
Tetrachloroethylene (ug/1) 0.a
Toluene (ug/1) 11 0.36
Toxic Substances (N)
Trialkyltin (ug/1) 0.008
Trichloroethylene (ug/1) 92.4 3.08
Turbidity (NTU) 50; 25 (N) 10 (N)
Vinyl chloride (ug/1) 525 2
Zinc (ug/1) 5u (AL)
Note: (N) . see 2B .0211 (b), (c), (d), or (e) for narrative description /
of limits.
(AL) Values represent action levels as specified in
.0211 (b)(4).
(Sw) Designated swamp waters may have a pH as low as 4.3 and
dissolved oxygen less than 5.0 mg/i if due to natural
conditions.
(1) An instantaneous reading may be as low as 4.0 ug/1 but
the daily average must be 5.0 ugii or more.
(2) Applies only to unfiltered water supplies.
10

List of People Attending the Public Hearing
Held in Boone, North Carolina
May 15, 1990
This hearing was held on behalf of the Environmental Management
Commission (EMC) to reclassify a portion of the Watauga River
from Class C to Class B. The following people attended the
hearing:
Hearing Officer
Tim Donnelly, Regional Water Quality Supervisor, Division of
Environmental Management, Raleigh, North Carolina
Participating Staff Members
Suzanne Hoover Keen, Environmental Specialist, Water Quality
Planning Branch, Division of Environmental Management,
Raleigh, North Carolina
Others in Attendance
Danny Bridges, McGill Assoc. , 38 Orange Street, Asheville, North
Carolina
Bob Disney, Box 28, Holiday Hills, Boone, North Carolina
George E. Dula, Chairman, Friends of the Watauga River, Rt. 1,
Box 233, Sugar Grove, North Carolina
Teresa Dula, Friends of Watauga River, Route 1, Box 233, Sugar
Grove, North Carolina
Frances Farthing, 116 Orchard Street, Boone, North Carolina
Joe Furman, Director, Watauga County Planning & Inspection
Department, Courthouse Box 7 , 403 W. King Street, Boone,
North Carolina
Linda M. Lonon, 201 Eastbrook Dr. , Boone, North Carolina
Tom Moore, Trout Unlimited, Route 1, Box 1022, Banner Elk, North
Carolina
Jim Thompson, Managing Editor, Mountain Times, P.O. Box 1815,
Boone, North Carolina
Richard Tumbleton, Artist, Post Office Box 1243 , Boone, North
Carolina
11

Position Statement
Watauga Chapter Trout Unlimited
May 15, 1990
Watauga Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to go on record
as strongly favoring the reclassification of the Watauga River
from the US 321 Bridge to the NC-TN State Line from Class C to
Class B waters.
We feel this reclassification of these waters would insure
protection from possible damage to the river. Due to the fast
growth along the upper portions of the Watauga River it is
obvious that the water in the section being considered for re!--
classification will be impacted by development in the future.
Since no waste water treatment plants currently empty into
that section of the river, now is the responsible time to set the
guidelines for future development.
Trout Unlimited is interested in responsible stewardship .of
our cold water resources . The Watauga River up-stream from this
section is impacted by a large number of waste water treatment
plants . That water obviously flows into this section of the
river, therefore we believe it will be wise management to protect
these already impacted waters.
Recreational waters are becoming increasingly difficult to
protect. This section of the river has long been enjoyed for its
recreational benefits by those who live in and visit the area.
Although this section is not designated as trout water, trout
live and spawn in these waters.
The members of Watauga Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like
to express our appreciation for this opportunity to express our
views and concerns. Reclassification will enhance and 'safeguard the
quality of the Watauga .River for future generations to enjoy.
13

County
�F
Courthouse Box 1 • 403 West King Street • Boone, North Carolina 28607
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Telephone [phone] COUNTY MANA
David J. Triplett, Chairman James S. Ratch
James G. Coffey, Vice-Chairman
Carl Fidler
Phil Smalling
James D. Wilcox
APR 1�' 1990 .,�,,_ .•.
F,
Div.C,r CiA`AR0N9AE,%M1+1 ANAGEME%T t.
Rale+E..,
April 4, 1990
APR
George T. Everett, Ph.D.
Director, NC Division of Environmental Management
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7687
Dear Dr. Everett:
This is written in regard to the proposed reclassification of the segment
of The Watauga River from the Highway 321 bridge to the state line. Studies
by DEM staff indicate that the segment is suitable for a "B" classification.
Protection of water quality is one of the highest environmental priorities of
the Board of Commissioners; we have supported previous reclassifications of
the Watauga River and its tributaries. On April 2, 1990, the Board voted to
support the current proposal. Please enter this into the hearing record for
the proposal. Thank you.
cerely
David J. Tri.l Lett
Chairman
dw
i
14

COUNCIL: A own Of Boone L.D.HAGAMAN,JR.
Town Manager
VELMA C. BURNLEY
Mayor DAVIn PALETTA
orney
I[AMES
EN SUTTLE Town Attorney
yor Pro Tern
DUGGER � � �ENE REESE ®®��S MARSH,SR. 1 1L•jt
JAMES SMITH North Carolln 4
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P.O. DRAWER 192 • BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA 28607 [phone] p"mw m m00%RKv wP .,.

REPORTS, STUDIES AND INVESTIGATIONS
1A
16

5 . . '.-
� Y
State of North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
Asheville Regional Office
James G. Martin, Governor David R. Spain
S. Thomas Rhodes, Secretary Regional Manager
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
October 18 , 1988
MEMORANDUM
TO: Steve Zoufaly
THROUGH: Forrest R. Westall
Regional Water Qual ' Supervisor
FROM: Kerry S . Becker
Environmental Technician
SUBJECT: A. Burningtown Creek Reclassification - Macon County
B. Watauga River Reclassification - Watauga County
C. Dutch Creek Reclassification - Watauga County
A. Burningtown Creek
Burningtown Creek is a fairly good size stream draining a
predominately rural area. Fecal coliform bacteria results for
Burningtown Creek and its tributaries with the exception of Allan
Branch support reclassification of Burningtown Creek to Class "B" .
Allan- branch is a very small tributary that flows through a cow pasture
just prior to entering Burningtown Creek; the high coliform counts are
consequently a result of contamination from cattle waste.
A copy of a map indicating sampling sites is enclosed and the
fecal coliform counts are summarized as follows :
Station 7/20/88 7/28 8/2 8/10 8/16 Mean
Burningtown Creek @ 90 90 40 20 340 74
SR 1392
Parrish Creek 180 20 80 10 8.0 47
Burningtown Creek 40 90 30 10 50 35
Number 3
Interchange Building, 59 Woodfin Place, P.O. Box 370, Asheville, N.C. 28802-0370 ° Telephone [phone]I
17

Steve zoufaly
Memorandum
October 18 , 1988 —
Page Two
Station 7/20/88 7/28 8/2 8/10 8/16 Me
Daves Branch 240 200 350 530 A. 530 2769t
B. 180
Allan Branch 14 , 000 4 , 600 1 , 000 1 , 500 1, 900 2 , 8361
Trib. to B. C. @ NS 350 NS 60 10 59
Kelley Cove Gap
Burningtown Creek 180 180
50 100 <10 69
@ SR 1364
UT to Burningtown 140 >600 40 10 20 58
Creek @ Shope Gap
UT to Burningtown
630 >600 1 , 500 60 60 289 A
Creek @ Stiles , N. C.
Burningtown Creek 100 270 340 170 80 165
@ LTN Confluence
Fecal/strep analyses :
Station
8/2/88 8/16/88
Parrish Creek 2 , 400/100 ml
Davis Branch 1, 400/100 ml
Allan Branch 16 , 000/100 ml
UT to B . C . @ Shope Gap 2 , 000/100 ml
UT to B. C . @ Stiles 1 , 000/100 ml* 680/100 ml
* Dilution for strep analysis set --too low; this count not valid.
NS - No Sample
B. Wa-auga _iver - assification
The Watauga River is a medium sized mountain river that drains
fairly large watershed that is primarily rural in character and in
which both dairy and cattle f arming occur; however, the upper Wata
River watershed is experiencing expanding residential and commerc
development. The fecal coliform results for the Watauga River indicate
the lower section of the river (U.S. Highway 321 to the N. C. -Tennessee
line) is suitable for reclassification to Class "B" . A map of sampling
sites is enclosed and the fecal coliform results for each station are
summarized as follows :
In

Steve Zouf aly
Memorandum
October 18 , 1988
Page Three
Station 7/21/88 8/3 8/10 �8/12 8/19 8/23 8/30 Mean
lit
Beech Cre
ek 430 320 480 ; 66 0 1 , 900 40 130 295ac
Stone Mountain 70 30 <10 ' �20 30 100 180 47
Creek @ SR 1239
Watauga River 70 <10 <10 ; 1 010 330 60 60 45 G
@ SR 1200
UT to Watauga 1600 NS 110 3 <10 300 850 214-�
River @ Rocky
Knob
Watauga River 45 30 <10 40 <10 10 40 19�--
@ SR 1202
Beaverdam Creek 100 120 50 3 00 40 200 310 107--
@ SR1202
UT to Watauga 80 60 10, 2 ., 00 50 30 120 45
River @ Hwy 321
,[,Log means for all stations were calculated without including the August
12 , 1988 , data.
* Many atypical colonies present
+ 'Rainf all
NS - No Sample
Fecal strep analyses :
Station 8/20/88
UT to Watauga River 3000/100 ml .
@ Rocky Knob
C. Dutch Creek Reclassification:
Dutch Creek is a small stream that drains . a primarily rural area in
hick crop, dairy, and cattle farming occur. The fecal coliform
'results for August 23 , 1988, for stations # 3 and 4 should probably be
reversed. . A fecal count of 12 ,000 would be most probable for station
# 3 than for station # 4 . Dutch Creek stations # 2 and 5 indicate it is
suitable for swimming; however, Dutch Creek station # 4 has shown fecal
coliform concentrations >400 col /100 ml on at least two occasions.
19

G
HJ
t' •_ North arolina Wildlife Resources Commission 0
512 N. Salisbury Street,Raleigh,North Carolina 27611, 919-733-3391 �
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director •r._�:� i..y;,"�'�=, _.
. 1 ^•a 4
TO: Mike Wicker
Division of Environmental Management WATJER
QUAL171,
FROM: Don Baker, Program Manage ECT103 4
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: March 21, 1989
SUBJECT: Reclassification of the Watauga River from US
Hwy 321 Bridge to North Carolina-Tennessee
State Line.
We understand that the Division of Environmental
Management is recommending that the Watauga River from US
321 Bridge to the North Carolina-Tennessee boundary be
reclassified from Class C Trout to Class B Trout. Although
the Wildlife Resources Commission supports upgrading water
quality standards, in this case we recommend that this
section of the Watauga River be reclassified from Class C
_Tx.out t r, arc B Justification for this recommendation is
based on fish samples collected in the lower Watauga by TVA
in 1988 and DEM in 1989 which indicate that natural trout
reproduction is not occurring in this section of the river.
The lower stretch, however, does support a high quality
smallmouth bass and rock bass fisheries which will be
protected by the more stringent Class B standards.
In addition to supporting smallmouth bass and rock bass
fisheries, this area is used on a regular basis for
swimming, sun bathing, whitewater kayaking and canoeing. _ -
Reclassifying the lower Watauga River from Class C Trout to
Class B will ensure that water quality standards will be
maintained for both these recreational uses and the existing
fishery resources.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this
proposed reclassification. If we can be of further
assistance, please advise.
cc: Joe Mickey, District Seven Fishery Biologist
R. Paul Wilms, Director, Division of Environmental
Management
WDB/ae 20